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Never Take Things For Granted
This is a common adage, but one I feel most people don't heed. However, I
feel I have come to learn over the years to heed this saying. I have lived
in New York City for four years. I came here to study advertising and wound
up instead working at a multimillion dollar clothing company. I have come a
long way from the small town life in which I grew up, and it's been an
eye-opening experience for me. I have seen the best that NYC can offer as
well as the worst. I remember living in Harlem, and passing drug addicts on
the trash-strewn streets on my way to the subway. Twenty minutes later I was
in my midtown office, working for a multimillionaire, and working besides
people who drove expensive cars and lived in the ritziest neighborhoods. And
there I was, right in the middle of it, taking it all in.
I've done a lot of growing up over the years, although I aim never to stop
growing in this life of mine. I used to be a self-absorbed teenager, not
seeing a future at all for myself, fighting with my parents, not thankful
for what I had. Although I know most teenagers are like this, most teenagers
do not suffer from terrible depression and want to end their lives like I
tried to do. Coming from such darkness into the light that now surrounds me
makes me realize how far I've come.
I have learned to appreciate what I do have in my life. I am thankful that
my friends and family all have good health. No one has ever had a major
illness, been in the hospital for long periods of time, and everyone is in
good spirits. Most people only think of their health when it fails them, but
I am aware of my good health almost daily. I also have a loving, close-knit
family. Although I no longer speak to my father, who years ago decided he
didn't want much to do with my life, I have a wonderful stepfather who has
loved me and done a lot for me since day one. I have the most selfless and
caring mother in the world, from whom I get all my good character traits.
She raised three kids on her own for years. I am so proud of her and will be
eternally grateful. I also have a brother and sister and lots of cousins and
aunts and uncles. I enjoy having a big family. Everyone is supportive of me,
and I love to spend time with them.
I have a few amazing friends whom I hold dear. I've never had a large group
of friends, but I'd rather have just a few I can really count on and love
unconditionally. I have Sara, whom I've been friends with for nine years,
who is a loving, compassionate soul. I have Meghan, whom I've known since
first grade, with whom I share a lot of memories. I have Carly, whom I met
last year and communicate with by email almost daily. We have a lot in
common. And I have Diana and Sage, the kindest girls I've met since I've
been in NYC. At times I've met people who have used me or lied to me, and
it's gotten me down for a little while. But all I have to do is call a good
friend or think of all the happy times I've spent with them and immediately
I feel better. I know there are mostly kind-hearted people in the world.
I have my boyfriend Jason, whom I met earlier this year. He has been the
first person I've fallen in love with and has taught me what that feels
like. Right away he supported me through difficult times and has helped me
grow and learn. I am planning my future with him, and it feels good to have
someone so caring and wonderful beside me.
Probably most people only think about all they don't have, and won't think
about all the things they do have. I know I used to. But it's easy to take a
few minutes each day and realize what life is about: health, happiness,
family, and friends. Although I would change a couple things in my life if I
could, I know things can't be perfect, and instead I focus on what I do love
about my life. I'm also not exactly where I want to be right now, but I have
ideas and am working on how to get there. I really am able to realize how
fortunate I am. And above all, I feel thankful that I can have this
gratitude.
Kimberly B.
New York
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e x t e s s a y -
Copyright © 1998-2013
by Jo Stepaniak All rights reserved.
Nothing on this web site may be
reproduced in any way
without express written permission from the copyright
holder.
Copyright © 1998-2013
by Jo Stepaniak All rights reserved.
Nothing on this web site may be
reproduced in any way
without express written permission from the copyright
holder.
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